Moisture and Foundation Settlement Solution in Millbrae, CA

Thursday, October 10th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Project Overview: A homeowner in Millbrae, CA reached out to Foundation Repair of CA after noticing visible cracking in the foundation's stem wall. A closer inspection revealed that the cracking was caused by a combination of moisture and foundation settlement issues. These factors not only affected the structural integrity of the home but also raised concerns about long-term stability and potential water damage.

Diagnosis: Upon visiting the property, our team conducted a thorough inspection of the foundation and crawl space. We identified that excess moisture in the crawl space was contributing to soil movement, leading to the cracks in the foundation. Our solution focused on addressing the moisture problem, reinforcing the foundation, and ensuring long-term stability.

Solution

Scope of Work:

CleanSpace 20ml Liner:
To address the moisture issue in the crawl space, we installed a CleanSpace 20ml liner over the ground surface and up the foundation walls. This durable liner created a moisture barrier, preventing water from seeping into the crawl space. The installation also included a drainage matting to allow water to flow efficiently under the liner, keeping it protected from rips and tears.

CleanSpace (Wrap Piers):
We wrapped the bottom of the concrete pier posts with the CleanSpace liner and secured it with CleanSpace tape. This created a sealed environment around the piers, further protecting the foundation from moisture damage.

CleanSpace Wallie:
We installed the CleanSpace liner up to 3 feet high along the foundation walls in the crawl space, ensuring a comprehensive moisture barrier that covered both the floor and walls.

Sedona Dehumidifier with Condensation Pump:
To maintain a dry and conditioned crawl space environment, we installed a Sedona dehumidifier. This system eliminated damp, musty odors by pulling excess moisture from the air. We included a condensation pump to remove the water generated by the dehumidifier, ensuring a dry environment beneath the home.

SmartDrain Water Watch Alarm:
To safeguard the encapsulated crawl space from unexpected plumbing leaks, we installed a SmartDrain Water Watch Alarm system. In the event of a leak, the alarm alerts the homeowner before water can accumulate, allowing for quick action.

Crawl Space Vent Access:
To accommodate the installation of these systems, we created an access point through the existing crawl space vent and patched the area with wire mesh once work was completed.

Vertical Crack Repair with Epoxy Injection:
We injected Epoxy into the vertical cracks in the foundation's stem wall to seal them and prevent further damage. While this method reinforced the cracks.

Conclusion: By addressing both the foundation settlement and the underlying moisture issue, we ensured that the homeowner’s property was stabilized and protected against future damage. The combination of CleanSpace encapsulation, moisture management systems, and epoxy crack repair resulted in a long-term solution that would keep the home safe, secure, and dry. The homeowner now has peace of mind, knowing their foundation is reinforced and protected from environmental factors.

This project is a testament to Foundation Repair of CA’s expertise in diagnosing and resolving complex foundation problems while delivering quality and long-lasting results.